Crime BRN Militant Group Suspected in Coordinated Bomb Attacks Across Krabi, Phang Nga & Phuket

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna.

 

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), a long-standing insurgent group operating in the southern border provinces, is suspected of being behind a series of coordinated bomb attacks outside their traditional area of operation. The incidents occurred across the southern provinces of Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket, marking an escalation in the group’s campaign to pressure the government into renewed peace negotiations.

 

The announcement came during a press briefing held by Colonel Kiattisak Neewong, spokesperson for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 Forward Command, at Sirindhorn Camp in Pattani province.

 

Two suspects, Mr Muhama Wadaeng and Mr Sulaiman Kasa, both from Pattani, were arrested by local police in Phang Nga at approximately 03:30 on 24 June. They were caught in possession of several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near the provincial hall’s bypass intersection.

 

The suspects were subsequently transferred to Police Region 9 for interrogation. Investigators noted that the devices seized bore similarities to those used in previous BRN attacks in the deep south provinces (Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat), indicating a high likelihood of the group’s involvement.

 

According to ISOC, the explosive devices were small-scale IEDs designed to avoid causing mass casualties. Analysis suggested they were assembled and then transported via both main and secondary roads using operatives with no known criminal records, allowing them to pass through checkpoints undetected.

 

Further interrogation revealed that the suspects had crossed the Thai border into neighbouring countries at least three times for planning meetings and to receive operational directives. The trips occurred on 18–19 December 2024, 13–14 January 2025 and 23–24 April 2025. The operations were reportedly directed by key BRN figures.

 

Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incidents: two perpetrators and three support operatives. ISOC believes the motive for these attacks is to exert pressure on the government to resume peace negotiations. The symbolic choice of targets, including popular tourist areas, airports, and government buildings such as the Phang Nga Governor’s Residence, appears intended more to generate public fear and media attention than to cause fatalities.

 

ISOC has emphasised that this tactic is consistent with BRN’s past strategy of demonstrating their operational reach beyond the southern provinces while avoiding mass casualties. The bombs were reportedly of limited destructive power and lacked lethal shrapnel.

 

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant. Any sightings of suspicious individuals or activities should be reported to:

 

• ISOC Region 4 Direct Line: 061-173-2999

• ISOC Region 4 Hotline: 1341

• Or contact local task force units available 24 hours a day.

 

Officials also warned that harbouring militants or offering any form of material support, such as shelter or food supplies, constitutes a criminal offence under Section 189 of the Thai Penal Code, punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both.

 

Related articles:

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1364658-time-bomb-scare-in-phangnga-two-men-arrested-at-checkpoint/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1364961-suspected-explosive-device-found-outside-phang-nga-governor’s-residence/

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1365049-six-suspicious-devices-discovered-across-phuket-authorities-confirm/

https://aseannow.com/topic/1365146-sixth-device-discovered-in-krabi-as-authorities-sweep-national-park/

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Naewna 2025-07-01